After an intense, six-day investigation, police have finally arrested the man who fled the scene after a hit-and-run crash that killed MMA star Jordan Parsons.
Dennis Wright, 28, whose license has been suspended six times, faces multiple charges for the incident that occurred on May 1 at 12:33 a.m., including leaving the scene of a crash causing death, driving with a suspended license and tampering with evidence.
Wright, who was believed to be at a bar with friends earlier that night, was driving his mother’s gray 2013 Range Rover Sport, speeding at 100 to 120 miles per hour when he struck Parsons—who was in the crosswalk, according to the Daily News.
“Wright never stopped. Neither did his friends driving behind him in their Mercedes, which followed the Range Rover as it continued southbound,” police wrote in the statement.
Parsons, 25, who reportedly wore headphones while crossing Federal Highway in Delray Beach, died from the crash on May 4. Prior to his death, Parsons had to have his entire right leg amputated.
According to police, investigators received a call from an anonymous tipster that gave Wright’s name the day after Parsons’ death. They also discovered Wright had multiple arrests for DUI, disorderly intoxication, marijuana possession, and assault on an officer or firefighter, among other charges.
Police said in a statement on Saturday:
Wright made an effort to have the damaged Range Rover repaired at a local body shop, but the owner refused to do the work, so Wright rented a bay at a storage facility and hid the SUV. Investigators recovered it on Friday, and it was missing the driver’s side mirror officers recovered at the scene.
The crash investigation is ongoing.
Parsons had an 11-2 record and was expected to fight in San Jose on May 14, according to MMA Fighting.
“Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man,” Bellator President Scott Coker said in a statement Wednesday. “Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, and a pleasure to be around.”
